As far as was possible, and could be done with perspicuity, I cherish the hope that, according to my desire, I have omitted none [1683] of those things at present [demanding consideration], which bear upon your salvation. For if I should write to you about things future, [1684] ye would not understand, because such knowledge is hid in parables. These things then are so. Footnotes: [1683] Cod. Sin. reads, "my soul hopes that it has not omitted anything." [1684] Cod. Sin., "about things present or future." Hilgenfeld's text of this passage is as follows: "My mind and soul hopes that, according to my desire, I have omitted none of the things that pertain to salvation. For if I should write to you about things present or future," etc. Hefele gives the text as above, and understands the meaning to be, "points bearing on the present argument." |